Alabama is known for its diverse opportunities in freshwater and saltwater fishing. From its rivers and lakes to the waters of the Gulf and Mobile Bay, Alabama is a haven for all types of anglers. But before you grab your rod and reel, you’re going to need an Alabama fishing license.
Fortunately, the process of getting a license is quick, easy, and hassle-free. This blog will cover everything you need to know, so you can enjoy a fun day of fishing in the “Heart of Dixie!”
Who needs an Alabama fishing license?
Everyone between the age of 16 and 65 needs to purchase a fishing license in Alabama. The licenses are a little different depending on whether you’re a resident or not, but both groups will need a permit regardless.
To be considered an Alabama resident, you must declare Alabama as your only state of residence. This means you shouldn’t have a valid driver’s license from any other state.
If you’re a non-resident and over 16, you’ll need to purchase a license.
Who’s exempt?
Anyone under the age of 16 is exempt from needing an Alabama fishing license. The same goes for state residents over the age of 65. But that’s not all. There are a few more cases in which you won’t need a license.
If you’re an Alabama resident fishing from a local bank in your county, there’s no need for a license. All you need is proof of residency, and you’re set. Also, Alabama residents visiting home on military leave are exempt from having to pay for a license.
You also don’t need to buy a license if you’re fishing with an Alabama saltwater guide or charter. If you’re fishing in freshwater, you’ll need to buy a license regardless of whether you’re alone or with a guide service.
Last but not least, non-resident college students between the ages of 17 and 23 can obtain a residency exception from their local probate office, license commissioner, marine resource office, or any authorized outdoor recreation office. This will allow them to buy a special license for the same price as a resident.
What if I’m on a charter boat?
If you’re planning to hop on an Alabama saltwater charter, no need to worry, your license is covered by the boat. Charters, headboats, and saltwater fishing guides are all required to have a boat license that covers everyone on board.
If you’re fishing with a freshwater guide, however, you will need to purchase a fishing license beforehand. Keep reading to find out where and how to go about getting one.
How much is an Alabama fishing license?
The cost of an Alabama fishing license depends on several different factors. Alabama residents can purchase their licenses at a lower rate than non-residents. There are also discounts available for disabled individuals and disabled military veterans.
Here’s a short breakdown of what residents and non-residents should expect to pay:
| License Type | Duration | Resident Cost | Nonresident Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater | Annual 7 Days |
$16.15 N/A |
$62.60 $35.00 |
| Saltwater | Annual 7 Days |
$28.50 $11.80 |
$61.35 $33.75 |
| Public Fishing Lakes
Daily Fishing License |
Annual 1 Day |
N/A $7.30 |
$15.00 $8.55 |
| Freshwater Fishing
Family Trip License (up to 4 additional family members) |
3 Days | N/A | $35.00 |
| Spearfishing
Family Trip License (up to 4 additional family members) |
Annual 7 Days |
$6.00 N/A |
$8.50 $3.50 |
If you’re spearfishing, keep in mind that you’ll need the appropriate sportfishing license (freshwater or saltwater) in addition to your spearfishing license. There’s also a surcharge for some licenses for residents of Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Discounted Licenses
The table below shows the prices for residents and non-residents who are either partially or totally disabled, including military veterans:
| License Type | Duration | Cost for Resident | Cost for Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physically Disabled Saltwater Fishing Event (up to 20 disabled guests) |
3 Days | $100 | $100 |
| Disabled Freshwater Fishing License (totally disabled) | Annual | $3.40 | N/A |
| Disabled Saltwater Fishing License (totally disabled) | Annual | $3.40 | N/A |
| Veteran’s Appreciation (20% disabled or more) Freshwater License |
Annual | $3.50 | N/A |
If you’re a non-resident member of the military stationed in Alabama, you too can get a discount on your fishing license. Just visit your local probate office, license commissioner, marine resource office, or any authorized outdoor recreation office and bring a copy of your orders of assignment to Alabama.
You’ll get your Military Residency Exception from one of these locations and you’ll be ready to start fishing in no time!
All proceedings from Alabama fishing license sales go towards the conservation and protection of the state’s marine wildlife, as well as education about the its natural resources. So after your purchase, you can rest easy knowing that your money is being put towards a good cause.
Different Types of Fishing Licenses
Most residents and visitors of Alabama will have to purchase a fishing license. Whether you’re looking to go offshore fishing in the Gulf or hook freshwater game fish in the Tennessee River, you should know what species your license covers.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater Licenses
Freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses are the most basic licenses you can buy. Keep in mind there isn’t an individual license for fishing in brackish water, so if you plan on fishing somewhere where it’s possible to hook both fresh and saltwater fish, you’d probably be best off purchasing both types of licenses.
The last thing you want is an unexpected fine because you weren’t sure which species you’re allowed to catch. If you catch a fish that isn’t covered by your license, make sure you release it right away. For example, if you’re fishing with a saltwater license in an estuary, such as the Mobile Bay, and you accidentally hook a Black Bass, make sure you safely release it back into the wild.
In addition, there are also the following annual licenses available:
- Wildlife Heritage Licenses
- Wirebasket Licenses
- Spearfishing Licenses
- Freshwater Commercial Fishing Licenses
A Wildlife Heritage License allows you to fish in specially protected waters under the jurisdiction of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. A Wirebasket License lets you fish non-game fish in public freshwaters.
A Spearfishing License gives you the opportunity to dive and recreationally or commercially target fish with a speargun in both fresh and saltwater. And a Freshwater Commercial Fishing License allows residents to use commercial fishing tackle to target and take home non-game fish in public waters.
What about special permits and tags?
There are no specific tags required for game fishing in Alabama, aside from a $61 tag for keeping, killing, or harvesting Tarpon. The funds are later used by Alabama’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to conduct research on Tarpon.
There are, however, size and bag limits in place for certain species. If you’re caught exceeding the daily limit, you could get charged with a misdemeanor and end up paying a fine. Below are 2 tables displaying some of the bag limits for freshwater and saltwater species:
Freshwater:
| Species | Bag Limit (per person) |
|---|---|
(includes Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted, Coosa, Warrior, Cahaba, Tallapoosa, and Chattahoochee) |
|
Saltwater:
| Species | Bag Limit (per person) |
|---|---|
For more information about bagging and size limits of freshwater and saltwater species, you can visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
What about lifetime fishing licenses?
Finally, there are lifetime Alabama fishing licenses available to those most ardent anglers. Simply make a one-time purchase and you’re set for life. The only requirement is that you are a state resident with a driver’s license or non-driver’s ID.
How and Where to Get a License
Getting a fishing license in Alabama is pretty easy. You can purchase one from any of the following local government offices:
- Your county’s probate office
- The license commissioner’s office
- State park locations
You can also go to a certified retailer, such as the following:
- Walmart
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Academy Sports
- Ace Hardware
- Any state-registered bait and tackle store
Or, the easiest option: buy your license online by going to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
Make sure you have a valid form of ID, either a driver’s license or passport, and your social security number. If you’re eligible for a military discount, be sure to have your assignment paperwork with you, as well. As long as you have these documents, you shouldn’t have any issues obtaining your license.
Common Questions About AL Fishing Licenses
You can renew your license through Outdoor Alabama’s online portal, at any official retailer, probate office, or license state commissioner.
Please note that if your fishing license has been voided, revoked, or suspended, it cannot be reprinted.
There are no reciprocal agreements for fishing in the Gulf, however. You can legally fish with your AL fishing license up to the Mississippi state line or Grand Bay to the west, and the Florida state line or Perdido Bay to the east. As long as you stay within these boundaries, you have nothing to worry about it.
Now you’ve got all the information you need to hit the open waters for a fun day of fishing. Pack your stuff, find a guide near you, and get ready to explore Alabama’s vast freshwater and saltwater opportunities.
